IJERPH, Vol. 17, Pages 5484: Negotiating Identity and Belonging in a New Space: Opportunities and Experiences of African Youths in South Australia

IJERPH, Vol. 17, Pages 5484: Negotiating Identity and Belonging in a New Space: Opportunities and Experiences of African Youths in South Australia International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph17155484 Authors: William Mude Lillian Mwanri This paper was part of a large study that aimed to explore determinants of increased suicides among African youths in South Australia. As part of this larger study, narratives from participants indicated that identity crisis could be a potential determinant of suicide. This paper reports on how African youths negotiate and form identity in Australia. A qualitative inquiry was undertaken with 31 African youths using a focus group and individual interviews. Data analysis was guided by a framework for qualitative research. These youths negotiated multiple identities, including those of race, gender, ethnicity and their origin. ‘Freedom and opportunity’, ‘family relationships’, ‘neither belonging here nor there’ and ‘the ability to cope against the paradox of resourcefulness in Australia’ appeared to be important themes in negotiating individual identities. An opportunity was used to acknowledge privileges available in Australia relative to Africa. However, the extent to which individuals acted on these opportunities varied, affecting a person’s sense of purpose, identity f...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research